Grand Return System-Chapter 25: The Price of Pride

The Price of Pride 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

The truth was simple:

Maya had lowered herself today.

For someone like the Head of Holy Water Division — admired across Celestis Academy — to personally accompany Sana here was already rare.

She had come to give Selena a chance.

Many begged to become her student. She ignored nearly all of them.

Yet this silver-haired girl... had actually refused her.

A faint chill crept into Maya’s beautiful blue eyes.

So she still dares to reject me.

Fury twisted quietly beneath her calm expression. But because Selena was a junior, Maya controlled herself. Outwardly serene — inwardly unsettled.

What kind of charm... what kind of spell... did Leon use on this girl?

She could not understand.

Why abandon such an opportunity?

Sana sensed Maya’s darkening mood and immediately panicked.

"Selena, what are you doing!" she cried, stamping her foot. "I begged Teacher for so long before she agreed to come. You’ve always been smart — how can you not understand? If you don’t come back with us today, you’ll regret it one day!"

Selena simply watched her.

Calm. Quiet. Steady.

In everyone else’s eyes, Leon had always been Celestis Academy’s joke — the forgotten teacher of Amethyst Summit Division.

But no one saw what she saw.

Who else would gift precious elixirs?

Who else would dare impart years of their own cultivation?

Could Maya do this?

Even knowing all that... Selena chose not to explain. She only shook her head gently and answered, cool but respectful:

"I will not regret it. Thank you for your kind intentions, Respected One. Unfortunately, I am destined not to be your student."

Sana froze.

Then frustration took over.

"Ugh..." She stomped again, helpless. She knew — once Selena decided something — mountains could crumble, oceans could dry... she would not move.

She turned toward Maya, ready to plead again—

But the elder woman lifted her hand.

"Enough. Since you’re unwilling, I won’t force you."

Her tone was light — but frost drifted behind it.

Her gaze drifted past Selena, toward the wooden houses perched quietly along Amethyst Summit Division.

"Where is your teacher?"

Selena hesitated.

"Teacher hasn’t woken yet..."

As if summoned by fate itself —

The door opened.

A faint breeze rustled across the courtyard.

Leon stepped out.

Tall. Composed. Midnight robes trimmed with thin threads of amethyst embroidery, catching faint sunlight. His long black hair fell loose to his shoulders, framing calm purple eyes that seemed to hide storms and galaxies all at once.

In his hand—

The Amethyst Mist Sword.

Its subdued glow shimmered like mist at dawn.

"Teacher..."

Selena hurried forward, bowing slightly. Her voice carried warmth that wasn’t there with anyone else.

Leon nodded lightly — then noticed the visitor.

His brow lifted.

Maya?

What is she doing here, on Amethyst Summit Division?

Before he could ask, Maya approached — every step graceful, every motion flowing like water.

Her smile curved softly, meaningful.

"Junior Fellow Brother Leon, it has only been a few days since we last met — yet I find myself... missing you."

The corner of Leon’s mouth twitched.

He knew this woman too well.

Beautiful. Gentle on the surface. But beneath —

Razor-sharp mind. Calculating heart.

Even Shera tread carefully when she was involved.

Leon chuckled softly.

"I wondered why there was a magpie chirping by the window all morning. It turns out a distinguished guest has arrived. Selena — prepare tea."

"Yes, Teacher."

She immediately turned and moved skillfully toward the kitchen.

Leon’s gaze lingered on Maya.

They had barely spoken over the past decade. A nod here. A greeting there. Polite distance.

No real connection.

So why now?

And why here?

The thought lingered like a quiet thread of tension in the air — as sunlight washed gently across the Acedmy premises, and silence settled between them like a drawn blade hiding beneath silk.